When you think of Paramount's Kings Dominion, you think of fun places, roller coasters and fun rides, but this week some of the top firefighters in the state have gathered for the rescue challenge. It's an opportunity to put their skills to work at the highest altitude.
Ten rescue service teams spend 4 days working in life-like simulations. The team from Henrico worked on a double rescue Tuesday.
"We were confronted with two victims on the structure. The first one was complaining of an ankle injury and didn't appear to be injured in any other way and was tethered safely. We were in communication with her the entire way," said Lieutenant Andrew Baxter of Henrico Station 1.
"The second victim had fallen from his protection harness and was unconscious. We heard moaning from across the lake. The first priority was to get access to the victims. While that was going on, those of us on this side were coming up with a rescue plan," described Baxter.
The teams moved through two scenarios each day and each drill provides a new challenge.
"Preparedness is the buzz word since 9/11. I think everybody has a clear picture of what it is we prepare for. The average person in America understands the role of the fire service and the rescue service is and responding to incidents whether they are manmade - terrorism type incidents or natural disasters," Baxter noted.
The rescue challenge runs through Thursday.
